Robin Finck Unveils Debut Horror Game “Sleep Awake”: A Sonic Nightmare from Former Nine Inch Nails Guitarist

Former Nine Inch Nails guitarist Robin Finck has launched his first video game. The project is a psychedelic horror title called “Sleep Awake.” It was released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game is published by Blumhouse Games.

Finck co-created the game with veteran developer Cory Davis. They formed the studio Eyes Out in 2019. The game is a first-person experience deeply rooted in sound design.

From Joshua Tree Jams to Interactive Horror

Development began in earnest in 2020. The core concept emerged from intensive creative sessions in Joshua Tree. According to Rolling Stone, Finck and Davis loaded vans with gear and improvised off the grid.

This period became the creative portal for the game’s world. Finck served as co-creative director and composer. His challenge was translating musical ideas into an interactive format.

The game is set 300 years in a future dystopia. A phenomenon called “the Hush” causes anyone who sleeps to vanish forever. Players control Katja, a survivor battling sleep deprivation and its terrifying hallucinations.

Sound as a Central Gameplay Mechanic

The horror experience is fundamentally driven by audio. Finck applied his expertise in unsettling soundscapes from his music career. Sound is not just atmosphere but a key to survival and puzzle-solving in the game.

Players must listen for threats like cultists and soldiers. The game’s lore states the Hush is attracted to human biorhythms. This makes frequency and sound inherent to the world’s core mythology.

Visuals blend full-motion video with in-engine graphics. The goal is to create a disorienting, dream-like state. Finck advises playing with lights off and headphones for full immersion.

The launch of “Sleep Awake” marks a significant crossover from music to game design. It showcases how Robin Finck’s horror game uses audio as its primary weapon to unsettle and engage players in a wholly unique nightmare.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Robin Finck?

Robin Finck is a musician best known as the longtime guitarist for Nine Inch Nails. He also toured with Guns N’ Roses. This video game marks his first major foray into game development as a creative director and composer.

What kind of game is “Sleep Awake”?

“Sleep Awake” is a first-person psychedelic horror and survival game. It focuses heavily on stealth, puzzle-solving, and audio cues. The story involves surviving in a world where sleep is fatal.

On what platforms is the game available?

The game is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via digital stores. It was published under the Blumhouse Games label, known for horror titles.

How important is sound in the gameplay?

Sound is critically important, acting as a core gameplay mechanic. Players rely on audio to detect enemies and solve environmental puzzles. The composer designed the soundscape to be a primary source of dread and immersion.

What is the studio behind the game?

The game was developed by Eyes Out, an independent studio co-founded by Robin Finck and Cory Davis. The studio was formed in 2019 with the goal of creating experientially driven games.